Final Fantasy...
A legacy? A Franchise?...no, a business!
I will assume that everyone reading this has heard or is familiar in some way, shape, or form with this series. If not, head on over to Gametrailers.com and check out their "Retrospective" series of videos on various franchises. You'll be up to speed after watching them HERE.
A brief recap on my experience with this series (FF). My first FF title was FF3 which was actually the 6th installment in the series. I played it an emulator since the year was 1999 and thus the Playstation and Nintendo 64 era was well underway and thus Super Nintendo titles were becoming more popular on digital form rather than the physical cartridge. I got a taste of FFVII when visiting a friend's house where he played it on a PC but me being more of a racing or fighting aficionado, didn't take the game much into account. I got to play a demo of FFVIII after my purchase of Brave Fencer Musashi since it came packaged with the game. I believe the Squaresoft - Enix merger had not taken place yet.
And that brings us to the upcoming Final Fantasy XIII.
Love it, hate it; you know you'll play it.
A brief recap on my experience with this series (FF). My first FF title was FF3 which was actually the 6th installment in the series. I played it an emulator since the year was 1999 and thus the Playstation and Nintendo 64 era was well underway and thus Super Nintendo titles were becoming more popular on digital form rather than the physical cartridge. I got a taste of FFVII when visiting a friend's house where he played it on a PC but me being more of a racing or fighting aficionado, didn't take the game much into account. I got to play a demo of FFVIII after my purchase of Brave Fencer Musashi since it came packaged with the game. I believe the Squaresoft - Enix merger had not taken place yet.
Decent game.
My gaming activity then decreased around my teen years since I had to enter the workforce due to my parent's divorce. In the latter part of high school I got me a PS2 and with it GT3. Shortly after I got FFX per a friend's suggestion. The 11th installment did not draw my attention since 1) It had a $100 price tag and 2) I would have to get internet at home to play it. FFXII as far as I can remember took a while to release after FFXI and so I felt it was taking forever and when it finally did release I was busy with the God Of War and Onimusha series among others.And that brings us to the upcoming Final Fantasy XIII.
Love it, hate it; you know you'll play it.
FFXIII was first announced at E3 in 2006. Having had all prior installments since VII on a Playstation console, it was pretty much given that this upcoming title would make its appearance on the upcoming Playstation 3 console. I won't go into the game's story since we all know that story is usually by default very good since it's one major component of the series that keeps it alive. At E3 2008 came an announcement that pretty much set forth a sentiment of sourness, loathing, dislike...basically something that has culminated in an ongoing fanboy battle to the never ending console wars of this generation.
I think it's safe to say that a good portion of people who purchased a PS3 did it with the intent of one day playing, what they had gotten accustomed to being, exclusives: Metal Gear Solid, Gran Turismo, God of War, Final Fantasy, Ratchet and Clank, etc. I also think that it's safe to say that with the Xbox 360 not being a Japanese console, it's priority was the U.S. market and then the rest of the globe; thus the JRPG genre wasn't as prevalent on the console as it was on Sony's.
Up until E3 2008 you could probably expect the xbox fanboys' attitude towards FFXIII as one of uncaring. They saw FFXIII as an unappealing title since it wasn't an FPS (the craze at the time) and because them being 2 years after the initial trailer, PS3 fanboys had no real gameplay or footage on the game. PS3 fanboys manged to keep the hope alive thinking the wait would be well worth it. After E3 and the announcement of a title now going multiplatform, the attitude took a quick turn...
Almost overnight the attitude of the xbox camp became one of ridicule towards the ps3 camp. On the ps3 camp emerged a thought of betrayal and slight anger towards Square-Enix (SE). While most remained upset at SE, some (like yours truly) focused their attention to another title that was still 'exclusive': Final Fantasy Versus XIII.
As of the date of this post, the title REMAINS a PS3 exclusive. In the months following E3, gamers would find out more about the title via gameplay footage, new trailers and an actual demo. The demo would come in the way of a bonus feature in the Advent Children Blu-Ray film. Obviously the aforementioned package did very well in Japan but not in the west where the demo would not be part of the film. In 2009 details emerged on the actual specifications of the game where Sony's console showed to be the ideal one to play the game in. Due to the storage limitations of DVDs when compared to Blu-Ray discs, FFXIII would come in multiple discs (3) on the Xbox while PS3 owners would just have 1 Blu-Ray in which the audio and video would be uncompressed unlike the Xbox port.
FFXIII released in Japan in December, 2009 and sold over 1.5 million copies on release week. SE had previously announced that despite the title going multiplat, Japan (Asian region) would only see the PS3 version of the title while the rest of the globe would get both versions; North America in March 2010.
We're currently about 1 month away from this title's release in the U.S. In the last couple of months there has been a growing sentiment of hate towards SE from the Sony camp. As an active surfer of game sites, I've been seeing the Sony camp in the last couple of weeks just showing no affection towards the title over 2 things: gameplay and content.
The hardcore JRPG followers don't seem content with FFXIII's gameplay. Apparently, in FFXIII you have an active turn battle format which hasn't been seen since FFX. Unlike FFX though, the player can only control 1 character at a time during battle. This doesn't sit well with those that have been following the series since its first installment on a Sony platform (FFVII) or those since its days on the Nintendo platforms. FF wasn't the first to implement turn battles but it was a big reason that they grew in popularity. Up until FFXI and XII, all encounters were turn based more or less while the aforementioned where more of an MMO battle style setup. People on the Sony camp feel that having control over 1 character doesn't make the game feel like a true FF title since it takes away the tactical element and thus lowering the need to formulate a strategy.
Content is the 2nd major component for loathing of this title by the Sony camp. SE's multiplat announcement was followed by details of the North American and European releases: both versions would be developed so as to be near identical (as is the case with any multiplat). The Sony fans took this as another way to say that the PS3 version would be 'held back' due to the xbox's storage limitation and perhaps graphics capabilities. Many were let down when they realized that Japanese voices wouldn't be an option on the American version since the audio on the xbox would be compressed and so a 2nd audio option was out of the question. Then, in January it was discovered (via internet leaks and such) that there was content cut out of the game. This content was apparently substantial since it could almost have been its own game. Sony followers saw this as the utmost sign of the xbox's limitations and the result on the PS3 being held back. Some claimed that the lack of towns and NPCs in the game was tied to the DVD's storage limitations. I don't believe one should blame it all on the DVD since the content was apparently set for PS3 hardware. Many speculate this content will come back via Downloadable Content.
As far as the xbox camp, I haven't seen how they're reacting to all this. I've seen some show much eagerness to get to play an FF title on their console. It is apparent that JRPGs haven't been that successful on Microsoft's console this generation, but this one may change that. I've also seen that those that own both consoles will obviously opt to purchase the PS3 version. It's safe to say that Microsoft anticipated that owners of multiple consoles would get the PS3 version and for those that own neither, they'd buy a PS3 to play the title now that the PS3 has been enjoying good sales from its price cut, thus enter:
Earlier this week the FFXIII bundle was leaked (now confirmed). A PS3 bundle was released in Japan back at the end of 2009 but no indications of it coming to the U.S. Will this bundle push units? Only time will tell.
My thoughts on this issue:
Let me start off by saying that though I can side with the fanboys on how things have played out, when I take a step back and see this through a different perspective I can't really blame Microsoft or Square-Enix that much because simply stated, these companies are running a business. By bringing this long awaited title to an already successful franchise on more than 1 platform you are clearly increasing your potential revenue. Then, by bundling it with your console you are strategically trying to get people to get your version despite claims that it will be the 'inferior' one. Often, gamers will forget that gaming is indeed a business and so sometimes actions will be taken as bad or wrong as they seem; just look at how much the FPS and the Music game playing cows have been milked. Yes, many get tired of seeing iterations of the same titles over and over. However, as long as the average consumer, the 'masses,' keep on buying those titles, they will keep getting produced on a yearly basis. Many ridiculed the Wii for being non-HD and with last gen graphics but look at where that strategy got them; it was Nintendo's business decision to keep the console on a low spec setup since most people were not ready to go into the HD TV market and motion control would be their thing.
I think it's safe to say that a good portion of people who purchased a PS3 did it with the intent of one day playing, what they had gotten accustomed to being, exclusives: Metal Gear Solid, Gran Turismo, God of War, Final Fantasy, Ratchet and Clank, etc. I also think that it's safe to say that with the Xbox 360 not being a Japanese console, it's priority was the U.S. market and then the rest of the globe; thus the JRPG genre wasn't as prevalent on the console as it was on Sony's.
Up until E3 2008 you could probably expect the xbox fanboys' attitude towards FFXIII as one of uncaring. They saw FFXIII as an unappealing title since it wasn't an FPS (the craze at the time) and because them being 2 years after the initial trailer, PS3 fanboys had no real gameplay or footage on the game. PS3 fanboys manged to keep the hope alive thinking the wait would be well worth it. After E3 and the announcement of a title now going multiplatform, the attitude took a quick turn...
Almost overnight the attitude of the xbox camp became one of ridicule towards the ps3 camp. On the ps3 camp emerged a thought of betrayal and slight anger towards Square-Enix (SE). While most remained upset at SE, some (like yours truly) focused their attention to another title that was still 'exclusive': Final Fantasy Versus XIII.
Hope?
As of the date of this post, the title REMAINS a PS3 exclusive. In the months following E3, gamers would find out more about the title via gameplay footage, new trailers and an actual demo. The demo would come in the way of a bonus feature in the Advent Children Blu-Ray film. Obviously the aforementioned package did very well in Japan but not in the west where the demo would not be part of the film. In 2009 details emerged on the actual specifications of the game where Sony's console showed to be the ideal one to play the game in. Due to the storage limitations of DVDs when compared to Blu-Ray discs, FFXIII would come in multiple discs (3) on the Xbox while PS3 owners would just have 1 Blu-Ray in which the audio and video would be uncompressed unlike the Xbox port.
Early perceptions of the xbox port.
FFXIII released in Japan in December, 2009 and sold over 1.5 million copies on release week. SE had previously announced that despite the title going multiplat, Japan (Asian region) would only see the PS3 version of the title while the rest of the globe would get both versions; North America in March 2010.
We're currently about 1 month away from this title's release in the U.S. In the last couple of months there has been a growing sentiment of hate towards SE from the Sony camp. As an active surfer of game sites, I've been seeing the Sony camp in the last couple of weeks just showing no affection towards the title over 2 things: gameplay and content.
The hardcore JRPG followers don't seem content with FFXIII's gameplay. Apparently, in FFXIII you have an active turn battle format which hasn't been seen since FFX. Unlike FFX though, the player can only control 1 character at a time during battle. This doesn't sit well with those that have been following the series since its first installment on a Sony platform (FFVII) or those since its days on the Nintendo platforms. FF wasn't the first to implement turn battles but it was a big reason that they grew in popularity. Up until FFXI and XII, all encounters were turn based more or less while the aforementioned where more of an MMO battle style setup. People on the Sony camp feel that having control over 1 character doesn't make the game feel like a true FF title since it takes away the tactical element and thus lowering the need to formulate a strategy.
Doesn't look like they're taking turns...
Content is the 2nd major component for loathing of this title by the Sony camp. SE's multiplat announcement was followed by details of the North American and European releases: both versions would be developed so as to be near identical (as is the case with any multiplat). The Sony fans took this as another way to say that the PS3 version would be 'held back' due to the xbox's storage limitation and perhaps graphics capabilities. Many were let down when they realized that Japanese voices wouldn't be an option on the American version since the audio on the xbox would be compressed and so a 2nd audio option was out of the question. Then, in January it was discovered (via internet leaks and such) that there was content cut out of the game. This content was apparently substantial since it could almost have been its own game. Sony followers saw this as the utmost sign of the xbox's limitations and the result on the PS3 being held back. Some claimed that the lack of towns and NPCs in the game was tied to the DVD's storage limitations. I don't believe one should blame it all on the DVD since the content was apparently set for PS3 hardware. Many speculate this content will come back via Downloadable Content.
As far as the xbox camp, I haven't seen how they're reacting to all this. I've seen some show much eagerness to get to play an FF title on their console. It is apparent that JRPGs haven't been that successful on Microsoft's console this generation, but this one may change that. I've also seen that those that own both consoles will obviously opt to purchase the PS3 version. It's safe to say that Microsoft anticipated that owners of multiple consoles would get the PS3 version and for those that own neither, they'd buy a PS3 to play the title now that the PS3 has been enjoying good sales from its price cut, thus enter:
xbox + 2 controllers + game = $399 bargain!
Earlier this week the FFXIII bundle was leaked (now confirmed). A PS3 bundle was released in Japan back at the end of 2009 but no indications of it coming to the U.S. Will this bundle push units? Only time will tell.
My thoughts on this issue:
Let me start off by saying that though I can side with the fanboys on how things have played out, when I take a step back and see this through a different perspective I can't really blame Microsoft or Square-Enix that much because simply stated, these companies are running a business. By bringing this long awaited title to an already successful franchise on more than 1 platform you are clearly increasing your potential revenue. Then, by bundling it with your console you are strategically trying to get people to get your version despite claims that it will be the 'inferior' one. Often, gamers will forget that gaming is indeed a business and so sometimes actions will be taken as bad or wrong as they seem; just look at how much the FPS and the Music game playing cows have been milked. Yes, many get tired of seeing iterations of the same titles over and over. However, as long as the average consumer, the 'masses,' keep on buying those titles, they will keep getting produced on a yearly basis. Many ridiculed the Wii for being non-HD and with last gen graphics but look at where that strategy got them; it was Nintendo's business decision to keep the console on a low spec setup since most people were not ready to go into the HD TV market and motion control would be their thing.
He will outsell any FPS...what would a Mario FPS look like? (mindblown!)
Any who, going into March I will say that FFXIII will get a place in my library on release week. In playing other JRPGs (Demon's Souls and White Knight Chronicles) I have realized that SE is not the only good JRPG maker out there. I'm not done with WKC and I'm eager to hear about the sequel that is in the works. I will remain optimistic and hope a 2nd Demon's Souls gets made. Like the Sony fans that took most of their attention from XIII to Versus XIII, I am eagerly awaiting actual gameplay and more footage on this title that's remained quite a mystery ever since it was announced.
I'll briefly mention that FFXIV is supposedly set to launch sometime this year and is more or less a sequel to XI which means online MMO action for those that are into it. Announced as a PS3 and PC exclusive at E3 2009, it has lately been seen that the title will be going to the xbox as well. Yes, this is probably not a surprise to those that believe SE is a sellout (like your mom).
So to end this now lengthy post. I think people from both sides should end their bickering and just buy the game on whichever console they believe will give them the best experience. Yes, it sucks that FF will no longer be exclusive to the console that saw it come along in technology and story or gameplay innovation. BUT let's not forget that Nintendo was home to FF before it moved to Sony's platforms.
In any event, SE is a business whether you like it or not. Final Fantasy XIII will be a great title to grace us in 2009 among others. Like it for its visuals or hate it for its gameplay, it will always be branded and sit alongside the long list of FF titles.
Lets hope Versus remains exclusive and shows off what FFXIII could have been.
I now leave you with the last GoW 3 trailer before launch. Why? Cause it's fucking awesome (like your mom).
ciao!
I'll briefly mention that FFXIV is supposedly set to launch sometime this year and is more or less a sequel to XI which means online MMO action for those that are into it. Announced as a PS3 and PC exclusive at E3 2009, it has lately been seen that the title will be going to the xbox as well. Yes, this is probably not a surprise to those that believe SE is a sellout (like your mom).
So to end this now lengthy post. I think people from both sides should end their bickering and just buy the game on whichever console they believe will give them the best experience. Yes, it sucks that FF will no longer be exclusive to the console that saw it come along in technology and story or gameplay innovation. BUT let's not forget that Nintendo was home to FF before it moved to Sony's platforms.
In any event, SE is a business whether you like it or not. Final Fantasy XIII will be a great title to grace us in 2009 among others. Like it for its visuals or hate it for its gameplay, it will always be branded and sit alongside the long list of FF titles.
Lets hope Versus remains exclusive and shows off what FFXIII could have been.
I now leave you with the last GoW 3 trailer before launch. Why? Cause it's fucking awesome (like your mom).
ciao!
